Intro
Uncover the capabilities and pricing of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system, a cutting-edge, fire-and-forget, anti-tank missile. Discover its advanced features, including infrared guidance and tandem warheads, making it a formidable force on the battlefield. Learn about its history, development, and current users, as well as its cost and effectiveness in modern warfare.
The FGM-148 Javelin is a lightweight, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile system developed by the American company Raytheon (now part of RTX) and Lockheed Martin. The system is designed to provide infantry units with a highly effective and survivable anti-tank capability. In this article, we will explore the FGM-148 Javelin missile system's price and capabilities.
Background and Development
The Javelin missile system was developed in the 1980s as a replacement for the M47 Dragon anti-tank missile system. The first production contract was awarded in 1991, and the system entered service with the US Army in 1996. Since then, the Javelin has undergone several upgrades, including the Block I and Block II improvements, which have enhanced its capabilities and performance.
Capabilities and Features
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system has several key capabilities and features that make it an effective anti-tank weapon:
- Fire-and-forget capability: The Javelin missile system allows the gunner to fire and immediately move to a safe location, as the missile guides itself to the target.
- Long-range: The Javelin missile has a range of up to 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), allowing infantry units to engage targets at a safe distance.
- High-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead: The Javelin missile is equipped with a HEAT warhead that can penetrate up to 750 mm (29.5 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA).
- Dual-warhead design: The Javelin missile has a tandem warhead design, which allows it to penetrate reactive armor and then detonate the main warhead.
- Infrared seeker: The Javelin missile uses an infrared seeker to guide itself to the target, allowing it to engage targets in various weather conditions.
Employment and Tactics
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system is typically employed by infantry units at the platoon or company level. The system is used to engage armored targets, including tanks, armored personnel carriers, and infantry fighting vehicles. The Javelin missile system can be used in a variety of tactics, including:
- Ambush: Infantry units can use the Javelin missile system to set up an ambush against armored targets, firing from a concealed position and then immediately moving to a safe location.
- Hasty defense: The Javelin missile system can be used to quickly establish a defensive position against an armored threat, allowing infantry units to engage targets at a safe distance.
- Raids: The Javelin missile system can be used in raids against armored targets, allowing infantry units to rapidly engage and destroy enemy armor.
Price and Acquisition
The price of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system varies depending on the country and the specific contract. However, the average unit cost of the Javelin missile system is around $100,000 to $150,000. The US Army has purchased over 45,000 Javelin missiles since the system entered service in 1996.
In 2020, the US Army awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies to produce 2,100 Javelin missiles, with an estimated value of $347.5 million. The contract also includes options for up to 1,300 additional missiles.
Export and International Sales
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system has been exported to several countries, including Australia, Estonia, Georgia, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan, Lithuania, Norway, Oman, Poland, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The system has also been licensed for production in several countries, including Australia and Japan.
Conclusion
The FGM-148 Javelin missile system is a highly effective and survivable anti-tank capability that has been widely adopted by the US military and several international partners. The system's fire-and-forget capability, long-range, and high-explosive anti-tank warhead make it an ideal choice for infantry units. With a unit cost of around $100,000 to $150,000, the Javelin missile system is a relatively affordable option for countries looking to upgrade their anti-tank capabilities.
FGM-148 Javelin Missile System Image Gallery
What is the range of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system?
+The FGM-148 Javelin missile system has a range of up to 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles).
What type of warhead does the FGM-148 Javelin missile use?
+The FGM-148 Javelin missile uses a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that can penetrate up to 750 mm (29.5 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA).
Can the FGM-148 Javelin missile system be used in various weather conditions?
+Yes, the FGM-148 Javelin missile system can be used in various weather conditions, thanks to its infrared seeker.
What is the average unit cost of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system?
+The average unit cost of the FGM-148 Javelin missile system is around $100,000 to $150,000.